W.H. calls on Egypt to stop rapes

3/29/13 12:30 PM EDT

White House deputy press secretary Josh Earnest on Friday condemned a spate of sexual violence during protests in Egypt and called on the Egyptian government to intervene.

"Sexual violence, including gang rape, has occurred during recent demonstrations in Egypt, and this is a cause of great concern to the United States, the international community and to many Egyptians," Earnest told reporters aboard Air Force One.

"These victims are the mothers, wives, daughters and sisters of Egypt. The Egyptian government has a responsibility to take legal measures to prevent sexual violence and to prosecute people who are involved in such crimes."

The New York Times reported this week on the increase in sexual violence and noted that some in Egypt, rather than condemning the acts, are blaming the victims.

"The idea that some Egyptians are blaming the victims for being raped and assaulted is abhorrent," Earnest said. "We strongly condemn these views and reaffirm the rights of women to express themselves in public squares alongside men as well as the responsibility of the Egyptian government to protect them.

"We urge the government to make good on its promises to govern for all of its citizens and we call on the Egyptian people to exercise their rights peacefully and respect the rights of their fellow citizens."